A guide to some of the best events and pop-ups to check out in Calgary and Airdrie over the holidays.
The holiday season has officially arrived, and if you’re looking for ways to get into the festive spirit, there are lots of options to consider around Calgary and Airdrie. From elaborate light displays and Christmas markets to scavenger hunts and quality time with Santa, these events are guaranteed to put you in a jolly mood.
Airdrie Festival of Lights
Where: Nose Creek Park, Airdrie
When: December 1 to 31, 2024, from 6 pm to 9 pm each evening
Launched in 1996, the Airdrie Festival of Lights is the largest outdoor walk-through light installation in Western Canada. This annual event, which takes place in the heart of Nose Creek Park, is free to attend and includes a variety of festive light displays to explore, as well as fire pits, a concession, a holiday-themed gift shop and miniature train rides. While admission to the Airdrie Festival of Lights is free, cash donations are gratefully accepted and go toward maintenance and upkeep of the displays, as well as to other non-profit groups in the community.
The 2024 Airdrie Santa Claus Parade
Where: Main Street Airdrie
When: December 7, 2024, starting at 5 pm
Bundle up and head to the annual Airdrie Santa Claus Parade, where spectators of all ages will enjoy live music and a number of festive, illuminated parade floats bedecked by local businesses, community groups and sports teams. Of course, parade-goers will also get to see the guest of honour, Santa Claus himself, who will join the rest of the lively procession as it rolls down Main Street and kick-starts the holiday season.
The Fixes’ Christmas Eye Spy Adventure
Where: 107 Canoe Crescent SW, Airdrie
When: December 7 to 8, 18 to 23 and 27 to Jan 1, from 6 pm to 9pm; matinees December 14, 21, 28 and Jan 1, from 12 pm to 3 pm
Christmas Eye Spy is a family-friendly scavenger hunt created by Tanya and Clifford Fix, an Airdrie-based couple who have hosted this unique event in front of their home for the last three years. Visitors to the Christmas Eye Spy experience are given a list of clues to solve as they explore 12 carefully curated holiday vignettes (10 of which are inside tents). The scavenger hunt is especially fun when people attend with their families or friends and work together to solve the clues as a team. (Read more about Christmas Eye Spy here.)
Granary Road Christmas Market
Where: Granary Road, just south of Calgary in Foothills County
When: Saturdays and Sundays, November 30 to December 15, from 10 am to 4 pm
With its bustling market, active learning park, pioneer-style mini golf course and adorable petting zoo, Granary Road truly has something for everyone, no matter the time of year. But around the holidays, this family-friendly attraction pulls out all the stops for its annual Christmas Market, which features a variety of local vendors, photo ops with Santa (and alpacas!), wagon rides, Christmas tree decorating workshops and even indoor goat yoga. While entry to the market is free, some of the on-site activities come with a fee, and people are encouraged to book ahead of time. See the website for more information.
Market Collective Holiday Markets
Where: BMO Centre, Hall D, Calgary
When: December 6 to 8; December 13 to 15
Market Collective was launched back in 2008 to showcase, promote and sell the work of local artists, artisans, designers and musicians, and to build a stronger appreciation of the Calgary art scene. Once again, Market Collective will be holding its popular Holiday Market Series over two weekends this December. In addition to shopping for lovely items made by more than 150 local vendors, visitors can take part in artistic workshops, snack on locally made treats and enjoy plenty of live, festive music from local performers. Admission is $7 per person, but kids under 12 get in for free.
Miracle on First Street at Proof
Where: Proof Cocktail Bar, Calgary
When: November 15 to December 24, 2024, from 2 pm to 1 am daily
Those who want to enjoy a festive drink in an equally festive atmosphere can head to Miracle on First Street, a pop-up event at Proof cocktail bar. Held every holiday season since 2018, this popular pop-up is part of the “Miracle” international pop-up concept, which has locations throughout Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia and Central America. At Proof cocktail bar, customers can sip creative cocktails like the Christmapolitan, Snowball Old-Fashioned or Santa Slide while chatting with friends, listening to holiday music and checking out the kitschy holiday decor.
Once Upon a Christmas
Where: Heritage Park, Calgary
When: Saturday and Sundays, December 7 to 22, 10 am to 4 pm
Another beloved holiday event, Once Upon a Christmas offers all kinds of family-friendly fun amid the old-timey atmosphere of Heritage Park. Guests can enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, visits with Santa, roaming carolers, a bustling Christmas market and some awesome Christmas displays (including a Lego version of Heritage Park itself). For an added cost, those who delight in a hearty breakfast can partake in the park’s festive breakfast buffet at the Wainwright Hotel or Gunn’s Dairy Barn (reserve your spot in advance). Tickets for Once Upon a Christmas are available online or at the park’s front gate.
Plaza Palooza
Where: Olympic Plaza, Calgary
When: November 29 to December 22, 2024, Fridays to Sundays from 4 pm to 9 pm
At the end of this year, Calgary’s Olympic Plaza will officially close to the public for redevelopment—and it won’t open again until 2028. To say farewell to the beloved venue as we know it, the City of Calgary is hosting Plaza Palooza, a free, family-friendly festival held over four weekends this holiday season. The epic celebration will feature live performances, DJs and dancing, light art displays, ice carving demonstrations, carnival games and more.
ZOOLIGHTS
Where: The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
When: November 15, 2024 to January 5, 2025, 5 pm to 9 pm
Back for its 28th season at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, ZOOLIGHTS is a merry tradition for many families in the Calgary area. Featuring over one million glittering lights and approximately 250 sparkling displays throughout the zoo grounds, ZOOLIGHTS is a true holiday spectacle. And there’s more than just the incredible lights to take in—ice skating, axe throwing, carousel rides and visits with Santa are all part of the fun. This is a popular event, so try to book your admission tickets in advance. For more info on prices and available dates, visit the ZOOLIGHTS ticketing page.
